This
album of country, blues, and folk songs was discovered in late 1999, shortly
after Robert’s death.It was recorded in the late spring, early summer of 1995; Robert was
living in Chicago at the time, and trying to make another go of things in the
windy city.He
was living with Mark Smalling, and playing music with John Austin.Money was somewhere between tight and non-existent, but I remember—when
we talked—his being pleased with certain new material.From this period would come Songs He Usually Doesn’t Play,
The Chicago E.P., and Country, Blues, Folk.

Some
context: By the time Robert finally completed this project, I was teaching
English in Pusan, South Korea.It was Fall 1995.Rob was going back to school in Indiana to finish his university degree.In a letter he asked what I thought about him coming to teach in
Korea—would he like it, he asked.I told him I thought he would find it to be a great opportunity.I could line up music gigs in the local university district.You could save quite a bit to pay off loans, I told him.This was true.But selfishly, of course, I just wanted to be with him as friends in a
foreign place, brothers teaching English and creating art and music and poetry.I believe there was quite a gap—months even—between the letter of my
reply and the next time I heard from him.It may have been via word-of-mouth, maybe Dave Davidson told me, but some
time later I learned of Robert’s decision to join the Army.There is a long line of stellar and high-ranking military service in the
Rottet family, but to this day Robert’s decision seems out of place with all
that he was as a person.This same wonder and apprehension was a consensus among his friends.That said, Robert entered his new role with vigor, and I doubt the Army
has ever encountered a more caring person.

Robert
had a keen sensibility when it came to traditionals and blues and country tunes.Something high and lonesome in his voice.Some kind of dirt road honesty and historical authenticity moved front
and center.Listen
to the album a few times and you’ll know.It’s a beautifully haunting work.

This
project was initiated back in 2000, in Des Moines, Iowa.It has taken many detours, but is now complete.Research Records—Robert’s own label—is proud to release it.We hope you will be moved by Robert’s music and voice.